Passenger Code of Conduct

Commuter Service Reminders

  1. Drivers must hold at the park and ride scheduled time until all passengers have boarded or alighted.  Trips are considered on-time if the vehicles arrive at or before the scheduled time and hold at the stop until the scheduled time before departing.  Drivers will NOT allow passengers to board the bus once it pulls away from the stop.

  2. Trips are considered "on-time" if the vehicle arrives at or before the scheduled drop-off time.

  3. Drivers must follow designated schedules and routes. Drivers are not allowed to change the order of pick-up and drop-offs, nor are they allowed to change the route taken by the vehicle without prior approval from the Dispatcher or Operations Supervisor.

  4. Under the Department of Transportation (DOT) Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations, commuter stop announcements by a transit provider must be announced (by Driver or a recording system) at transfer points, major intersections, and destination points. While riding on a route, sufficient notification must be given to individuals with visual impairments or other disabilities to be oriented to their location. Furthermore, the Driver must announce any stop upon request.

Passenger Rules

Please help us keep our services as safe as possible for you and all our passengers by following these rules at all times:

  1. Do not wait in the street as the bus approaches.

  2. Passengers shall follow the driver's instructions.

  3. Do not stand or sit in the aisle or stairwell.

  4. NEVER try to retrieve something that rolls under the bus.

  5. All passengers must wear seat restraints, including a shoulder harness, when available.

  6. Passengers thirteen (13) years or under must be accompanied by a guardian or parent at least eighteen (18) years of age or older.

  7. Passengers must provide seat restraints for children forty (40) pounds or less.

  8. Passengers should not move from their seats while the vehicle is in motion.

  9. Immediately notify the driver if a beverage or food is spilled or if any trash or personal items are dropped or not secured inside the vehicle. Upon notification of a hazard, the driver will notify the dispatch of the need to stop the vehicle. The driver will locate a safe location to stop the vehicle. The route will resume as soon as the spill is cleaned and/or the items are secured.   

  10. Speaking to the driver while the vehicle is in motion, unless it is an emergency, is prohibited.    

  11. Drivers shall secure all wheelchairs' tie-downs for passengers utilizing wheelchairs.  All wheelchairs must have their wheels locked and properly secured while in the vehicle. Drivers shall ensure that lap and shoulder belts for passengers utilizing wheelchairs are secured.

  12. Drivers are authorized to maneuver a wheelchair up or down one single stair step. Drivers are not authorized to maneuver wheelchairs up or down multiple steps. 

  13. Drivers are authorized to provide necessary assistance in boarding and alighting vehicles. Assistance includes opening and closing the vehicle doors, hand support on the vehicle stairwell or lift, assistance with bags meeting the bag restrictions contained in these guidelines, and assistance securing seatbelts.

  14. Individuals who are unable to travel independently, safely, and securely on their own accord, whether due to physical or cognitive disabilities and regardless of age, MUST be accompanied by a personal care assistant (PCA). If it becomes apparent that a PCA is necessary, an FBT employee will contact the passenger or his/her caregiver for notification. PCAs may ride free of charge.

Allowable Items

All items brought onboard vehicles shall be secured from movement while on the vehicle. Items must not block entrances, exits, aisles, take up seating space, or passageways at stops or in facilities. Items shall not be left unattended and are to be removed when you exit the vehicle.

  1. Consumption of non-alcoholic beverages, small snacks (e.g. candy, chips, and fruit) is allowed. Please ensure drinks are in a covered non-spill container.
      
  2. Personal medical equipment and supplies must be properly secured while in transit.
     
  3. Passengers will only be allowed to board vehicles with the number of carry-on items they can effectively handle independently. Carry-on items include but are not limited to shopping bags, handbags, briefcases, backpacks, suitcases, and umbrellas.
     
  4. Shopping bags, similar to those provided in grocery stores, are limited to no more than six (6) bags per passenger, with each bag weighing less than ten (10) pounds.
     
  5. Larger shopping bags are limited to no more than two (2) per passenger weighing less than thirty (30) pounds.
     
  6. Briefcases and backpacks are limited to one (1) weighing no more than 30 pounds.
     
  7. Suitcases are limited to two (2) small suitcases weighing no more than thirty (30) pounds each.
     
  8. Walkers, canes, and other mobility devices are allowed on vehicles

Prohibited Items

The following items are not allowed while utilizing transit services or within County facilities. Violation of prohibited items may result in immediate suspension of service and/or removal from the vehicle/facility or in additional legal action.

  1. Prohibited weapons under Texas Penal Code Section 46.05
      
  2. Motor-powered bicycles, tandem bicycles, tricycles, and bicycles with training wheels
     
  3. Portable speakers
     
  4. Illegal drugs

Persons who are not otherwise prohibited by state or federal law from possessing a firearm may carry a handgun that is either concealed or carried openly in a holster in compliance with Texas Penal Code Chapter 46. Violation of Texas Penal Code Chapter 46 may result in immediate suspension of service and/or removal from the vehicle/facility or in additional legal action. All open-carry handguns must be in a holster.

Prohibited Activities

The following activities are not allowed while utilizing transit services or within County facilities. Violation of prohibited activities may result in immediate suspension of service and/or removal from the vehicle/facility or in additional legal action.

  1. Lack of shoes, shirts, or wearing inappropriate attire
     
  2. Consumption of alcohol or illegal substances
     
  3. Smoking
     
  4. Use of abusive language or gestures
     
  5. Spitting
     
  6. Loitering
     
  7. Unlawful carrying of a dangerous or prohibited weapon under Texas Penal Code Chapter 46
     
  8. Aggressive behaviors, inappropriate physical contact, or displays of body parts
     
  9. Terroristic threats
     
  10. Assault or threat of assault
     
  11. Aggressive panhandling, selling, or soliciting for donations
     
  12. Littering
     
  13. Use of transit vehicles without paying
     
  14. Impairing or interrupting public transportation operations, including talking to the operator when the vehicle is in motion
     
  15. Urinating, defecating, public nudity, or indecent exposure
     
  16. Passengers should not chase after a bus, run across parking lots/parking aisles and through-ways, run in front of/behind or alongside buses while they are stationary and in motion, or wait in areas where there is no sidewalk or median.
     
  17. Defacing property or equipment.
     
  18. Unreasonably loud, disturbing, or unnecessary noise such as a radio or musical instrument.
     
  19. Sleeping at passenger waiting areas (e.g. park and ride lot, benches, seating areas).
     
  20. Disturbing, threatening, or prank telephone calls.

 

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